11-year old Beatrix is sent to America during WW2 from London as were many others whose families wanted them to be safe from bombings; her parents had heard horor stories of those children who'd been just sent to the British countryside and thought she'd be safer overseas. The family that sponsors her is composed of Mr. G. (Ethan), a private school professor in the Boston area; his wife Mrs. G. (Nancy), who was brought up much wealthier but married for love yet owns an island off the coast of Maine where the family spends their summers; and their two sons, William, 13 at the start of the story and Gerald, 9.. The family quickly falls in love with Bea adn she with them, andlife is good. Oover the five years she spends with them in Boston and Maine, they are a “family” but William and Bea grow a bit too emotionally close. Just in time though, the war ends and Bea must go home to London, to a small flat, a widowed/remarried mother and morphs back into “Trixie”. The story goes back and forth until the children are all in their 30s; in the meantime the chapters switch back and forth and we learn more about their lives over the intervening years.

A different look at the war and what happened to people on both sides of the Atlantic. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

First, thank you to NetGalley for a free copy of this audio book in exchange for an honest review.
My Interest

The only things I’ve seen or read about children sent to safety the USA or Canada from the UK in World War II were the Dutch princesses (one of whom was later Queen Beatrix), the grandchildren of Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone (related to the Dutch princesses as well as being a granddaughter of Queen Victoria via her youngest son, Prince Leopold) and the Mountbatten girls–whose great-grandfather, Sir Ernest Cassel was Jewish. The other exposure I have to these children is the tragically bad sequel to the movie, Mrs. Miniver in which the previously adorable little son comes back with baseball catcher’s gear and an odd way of speaking. Nonetheless, I’ve always been intrigued by how those children went on to live their post-war lives. Some came home well before the war ended, others at the end.
The Story

Only child Beatrix is sent by her loving parents to an American family in Massachusetts to stay safe during the war. Her parents are away of many “bad” things happening to children evacuated to the countryside in England, so they send her abroad. She lands with a great family who seem way wealthier than her own. But, the father is a prep school teacher (UK public school) and the glorious house comes with the job. But, “Mrs. G”–the mother, owns an island off Maine thanks to her much wealthier family. But the G’s live on Mr. G’s salary. They are a mostly happy family and they fall in love with “Bea” and she with them.So much so that it is many years later that the find out she is called “Trixie” at home–not “Bea” (supposedly the other Royal Families refer to now former Queen Beatrix as “Trixie Holland”). The two sons, William and Gerald, are on either side of her in age so they make a good family. The summers in Maine are magical for them. Naturally, over the five years they are a “family” William and Bea grow a bit too emotionally close. Just in time though, the war ends and Bea must go home to London, to a small flat, a widowed/remarried mother and morph back into “Trixie”

The story carries on for several years until the “children’ are in their late 30s or so. We find out some of what their post-war lives are like.
My Thoughts

Overall, I loved this story, but the first part, during the war, was stronger. I was interested in what they all did after the war, but I felt too little was made of Trixie’s re-integration into London life. There were a few puzzling historical things that “could” have happened–I’m not saying they were impossible–the author may, of course, draw on personal experience. At any rate they did not change the story or my rating. Just odd that an editor didn’t say, “hmmmm” as I have.

A waspy, but middle class preppy-Harvard banker gets his working-/maybe middle-class Irish Catholic “fiance” knocked up in the Boston 1951 and doesn’t marry her? With a Priest brother? A brother who serves a local church? Hmmmm
A non-Catholic having a Catholic funeral and burial before Vatican II?? And Alice in Wonderland being read at the funeral? hmmmmm
A coed faculty house at a prep school in 1964? Maybe at Putney or the UK’s Somerhill, but doubtful at an obviously Episcopalian boys school with a chapel.
One character’s Kennedy obsession got irksome. Understandable at the time that part of the story was set, but still it got tedious for me.

3.75

I look forward to more from this author.

Beyond That, the Sea: A Novel publishes March 21, 2023, but is on sale for Kindle pre-orders at $14.99

Every member of the Thompson and Gregory family had a POV in this book. Sometimes, I hate that. I hate waiting for the next person, getting all jumbled with info and perspectives, not caring about one and skimming. There were 8 in this book and I didn't want to skip or skim any. Each one was only 2-6 pages, yet I felt SO connected to them all. I like character-driven books over just plot, so this worked really well for me.

Not to mention, you know when you end a chapter and something has been described so breathtakingly that you need to stop for a second to take it all in? That happened almost every time. I liked the first half more than the second, when Bea was in America with the Gregory’s, but it was all very beautifully done. She remains in contact with them over the years and it was nice to see their relationship continue to develop. The book is emotional, sad, and hopeful, and I didn’t guess any of the twists which made it exciting.

I’m so happy I got to read this ahead of its release on March 21; thank you to Celadon Books for my copy.

Wow what a well=written piece of historical fiction. This book is emotional from the first chapter and all the way through. It was a roller coaster of ups and downs and heart wrenching emotions. I love how the author develops each character along the way and has you loving them during certain parts of the story and being very disappointed in them the next. You really feel drawn into this family and the dynamics that happened during these few decades.

The narrator for the audiobook also did a terrific job in the reading of the book. The different voices were great. How she was able to make each character relatable was so helpful. I was so pleasant to listen to I could have listened for hours longer. I found myself disappointed when it skipped over years of time between certain parts of the book.

Really enjoyed this one - would recommend it to anyone looking for a good piece of historical fiction (1940's-1970). Any parent, particularly a mom. Anyone who has lost a loved one in the past. This book really takes a look at life in general and helps you appreciate the small things, and learn that love is all around us in different forms.
#NetGalley

Unfortunately I did not finish this audiobook. I had a hard time connecting with the characters and didn't feel invested into finishing the story. I don't think the book was bad, Maybe a little slow, but I think the problem lies in that it was not for me. I got about 22% in and couldn't finish.

I want to start off by saying that I received early copy of audiobook. In return for my honest thoughts and review. I really definitely be adding more books from this author. I enjoyed listening to this audiobook. The the narrator does beautiful job. I love all the characters. Yes they’re multi POV. I always enjoy different POV when listening to books. This is a heart breaking book to listen to. I highly recommend this audiobook!!!
I really felt apart of this book and these characters. I really hoping for certain things to happen with characters. But sometimes not everyone is met to be together in this lifetime. Lives takes us in a direction where we don’t plan or maybe chasing something we missed out on. That’s how I felt for William who has so many dreams out of his life. I am sorry my review is all over the place. This is a book and characters I will remember and could reread in the future.
About Book:
Bee who comes to America during the War to stay with a family. Upon the request of her father. Who only wanted bee to be safe ad away from the War. Bee mother isn’t to happy about her daughter being so far away. With a family she doesn’t know. The stories Bee mother has heard about children living with families. Nancy takes Bee in like a daughter that she didn’t get to have. having to sons. This book is about the years Bee is living in America and these characters grow up and still remember that simpler times. This book comes out March 21, 2023 my reviews will be posted goodreads and bookbub. Upon release day my review will be posted on amazon.

Thank you again to Netgalley and the author for allowing me to listen to such a beautifully written book. Definitely will never forget these characters and this book. I highly recommend this book. It’s definitely 2023 favorite!!!

This book was a DNF for me. I just could not get into this one. Maybe if I tried the physical book I could get into it but it just couldn't keep me invested to complete it.

Wow, what a beautifully written and heartbreaking story. The characters and story are SO realistic. I felt like I was living their every emotion and every difficult decision. I loved that we were not just given the chance to meet the main character, but that the book shared the perspective of her family (both in the USA and London, as well) . You truly feel as though you are a part of this family and their sadness and their celebrations and their struggles. My only complaint about the book was just how sad it was. I wish there was a little more happiness and celebration in the story. I get that the premise is heartbreak, sending a child overseas to avoid war, and then having the child return home after many years... but life is filled with sadness and happiness and I wish we experienced a little more of that happiness.

Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

This is a quiet, contemplative read and shines a light on ordinary people whose lives are disrupted by WW II. That interruption to their daily routines will ripple out through the decades to come. When a girl from London goes to live with a family in the US, the lives of both families are forever changed. That girl is Beatrix and instead of continuing to be an only child she gains two new brothers in the states. William, Gerald, and their parents become family for Bea. What of her parents back across the pond? How does a young girl remain close to two sets of parents when she can only be in one place at a time? This book reminds me of Kate Morton storytelling and has short chapters from a variety of POVs. The historical setting ranges from 1940 - 1977, giving us a glimpse of many historical events and movements through the eyes of the characters. I will be thinking about these characters for quite some time after walking through the better part of a week with them.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

Beyond That, the Sea by Laura Spence-Ash is a book that I knew I was going to love right away. The writing in beautiful and grabs you in. At first I thought that the multiple POVs would confuse me but Laura Spence-Ash did a marvelous job helping keep all the storylines in order. This will be a book that I think about for years to come.

This is also a wonderful audiobook and I had to keep going back to the book info to remind myself that there was only one narrator. Ell Potter you were fantastic at separating each character's story and making it their own. Sometimes this does not happen with multiple narrators. Kudos to you!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for this copy in exchange for an honest review. I will be recommending Beyond That, the Sea to everyone who will listen!

I enjoyed this book. It follows Beatrix over the course of her life from a young teen through adulthood. She is sent to America during WW2 to live with an American family where she will be safe. She builds a strong loving relationships with her new family, but must return to her home in England after the war.

The story is told from many perspectives, Beatrix’s as well as members of her American and English families.

Characters are well developed, but the storyline is slow and often predictable. I both read and listened to this book. The narrator’s voice and English accent are beautiful and inspired me to listen.

The writing was phenomenal. I also loved the narration of the audiobook. The characters made this story really come to life. The short chapters made it easy to fly through this book. I enjoyed the multiple POV and timelines. This story was so very special, I think it will stay with me for a long time and I can see myself wanting to reread it in the future. Highly recommend checking this one out.

OUT MARCH 21, 2023

Thank you to the publisher and @netgalley for providing a free advanced copy of this book & audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 crafted stars rounded to 5
“Every day is a new adventure, even if they are doing things they’ve done before and before and before.”

Beyond That, the Sea shares twenty-five years in the life of two families connected through WWII. It captures bygone slices of America. Spence-Ash is descriptive with few words. “When you look back, it’s so easy to see the path that you’ve traveled. But looking forward, there are only dreams and fears.”

Spencer-Ash creates personal, nuanced characters that the reader grows to care about in this tender sweet book. Emotions ring true. “Bea burns that letter, late one night in the courtyard, holding a match to her angry words. Her two worlds, colliding. Smashing up against each other.” The book makes you feel the passage of childhood and the longing for what was.

Spence-Ash transports the reader with lovely writing: “She was struck, whenever she saw the island from the mainland, at how different it was when seen from afar. It was beautiful, a blurry patch of green, caught up between the ocean and the sky. It was also so small that she could hold it in the palm of her hand. When they were on the island, though she was the one who was small; it was her whole world. It was as though nowhere else existed.”

The only thing I’d improve is the lackluster title. Perhaps ‘Caught Between Ocean and Sky’ has a bit more momentum.

Nell Potter’s narration brings the story to life. Characters are easy to differentiate. At first, I thought the voice was a tiny bit too sophisticated for the characters, but I quickly grew used to it.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Very hard to follow on audio as the dates are printed on the actual book. I enjoyed reading the actual book much better than listening.

I took in BEYOND THAT, THE SEA as I sat oceanside with the sound of waves lapping at the shore. It was nothing short of magical. This quiet story felt like a different brand of historical fiction.

The story follows eleven year old Bea who was sent from London to America during WWII to ensure her safety. As Bea settles into life with her American family, she navigates having her heart and home in two very different places.

What this war-time family drama lacks in propulsive plot it makes up for with thoughtfully drawn characters. It’s important to note that WWII is merely the backdrop to a timeless love story and search for identity that spans generations. I love the way Laura Spence-Ash explored the theme of home and what it means to discover who we are in the broader scheme of the world.

The audiobook was exquisitely narrated by Ell Potter. Her British accent immensely added to my enjoyment. BEYOND THAT, THE SEA would surely generate thought-provoking discussion for a book club. Add this to your library holds and your beach bag!

Pick this up if you like:
Love stories that span generations
Scrumptious blueberry muffins
Nostalgic summers at the lake

RATING: 4/5
PUB DATE: March 21, 2023

Many thanks to Macmillan audio and Netgalley for an ALC in exchange for an honest review
Review will be posted to www.instagram.com/kellyhook.readsbooks in advance of publication date

“How difficult it is though with your own child to change the patterns that have been set to create a new way of being together.”

“Less of a life, fewer moments to remember.”

Let me preface this by saying I don’t enjoy most historical fiction novels especially when set during WWII.

I also am not a huge fan of character driven novels as I much prefer a solid plot and story arc.

Not a fan of slow burn.

It’s a sort of coming of age story, also something I don’t gravitate towards.

𝙃𝙊𝙒𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙍, despite this book ticking all of the marks for books I don’t typically enjoy, I did quite enjoy this book and getting to know Bea and the Gregory family.

I was pleasantly surprised at just how engrossed I was with this story and seeing how it would all play out.

It had perfect prose and the story flowed nicely.

I would definitely read another book by this author and I think while this book would make a good show/movie…it would likely be your typical the book was better scenario.

What a lovely and heartbreaking story. My heart broke for Bea and her parents when they had to say goodbye, for Bea and the Gregorys when they too had to say goodbye, and yet again for Bea when she encountered heartbreak after heartbreak. I typically don't like to read stories set around WWII but this was such an unexpected perspective of two families protecting a child from the horrors of war without too much detail on the war itself. I really enjoyed how short the chapters were and that they bounced around between all of the characters perspective. And man oh man, do I love a full circle ending. 4.5/5 stars


Thank You to NetGalley, Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio for my advanced copy to review.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. Beyond That, the Sea is a sweet character driven story. I didn't know that people in Europe sent their children to live with families in America during WW2. So liked learning this bit of info about the war. I enjoyed "watching" Bea, Gerald, and William grow up and mature into adulthood. If you like stories about families then this is for you. Laura Spence-Ash fully developed her characters and the writing was so beautiful and vivid that you felt like you were in Maine, Boston, and London with the characters. The story is not fast paced, but you become so invested in the story that you want to keep reading about Bea and the Gregory's. This book is told in multiple perspectives.
Though I'm not purchasing this for my high school library, I do recommend it to lovers of historical fiction and character driven novels. I also enjoyed the narrator.

Short synopsis: Beatrix is sent from her home in London to live in the US during WWII. The story follows Beatrix, her parents in London, and the Gregory’s the family she lives with in Boston.

My thoughts: I’m going to start off by saying what I liked about this book. The story itself was told well, I cared about the characters and my heart broke along with them when they went through some very difficult times. The multiple perspectives was done very well, and helped the reader to get in depth insight into each characters thoughts and feelings.

The writing was done beautifully, and the audiobook narration was also very well done. I typically prefer multiple narrators when we have multiple perspectives, but I feel like it was still done well with the single narrator.

I felt like it was missing something, and after thinking it over for awhile I think I figured out what didn’t work for me. When I pick up a historical fiction set during a World War time period I expect the war itself to be a big part of the story. That was not the case in this one. In fact, very little wartime problems occurred. This was meant to be a very character driven story, but I felt like someone should have been affected other than just sending Beatrix across the pond.

Overall, enjoyable and engaging story with great characters.

Read if you love:
* Coming of age stories
* stories that span decades
* Fiction with historical elements
* multiple perspectives
* Emotional Depth

Thank you so much to Celedon and Macmillan Audio for the early copy of this book! Publication date is set for 3/21/2023

This book was an absolute gem and it took me completely by surprise.

When I first started the novel, I was worried that it was "just another WWII" book. The genre is saturated and I often find myself fatigued by the same story being told over and over again. However, Beyond That was entirely different from any book I've ever read before and I'm not just limiting that to the WWII genre.

It's not often that I read a novel about a family sending their child overseas in order to keep them safe. I was absolutely fascinated by this concept and as a parent, I felt the physical pain that parents must have endured making such a challenging and life altering decision. It was heartwarming that the Gregories opened their home to Bea and embraced her as one of their own. I recognized that so many stories probably didn't turn out that way and I was happy that for such a horrific situation, it really was a beautiful and powerful circumstance.

This book is about so much more than just Bea's family sending her to America to avoid the war in Europe. Beyond the war, it's about family - the one we have and the one we choose. Bea was welcomed into the Gregory household with such love and acceptance. It was truly moving and you could feel how she had become one of them.

I loved that this novel spanned so much of Bea's life. That we see her grow up, see how living with the Gregory's for several formative years really shaped her life and the woman she became. I loved that the book so accurately depicted a first love and how that love changes and grows as the individuals become adults.

There were so many layers to this novel and I became completely engrossed. The narrator was wonderful and told the story in such a heartfelt and beautiful manner. I absolutely recommend this novel via audio.

I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book, but by the end, I never wanted it to finish. I feel part of the Gregories' lives and wonder what they're doing, how they are feeling, and what their hopes and dreams are for the future.

This book was moving and poetic and absolute perfection. If it isn't on your radar, it needs to be!

Thank you to Celadon Books, MacMillan Audio, and NetGalley for the copy.